What you are saying about plans to build a Next on the former Crowtree Leisure Centre site

A planning application has been submitted to Sunderland City Council for the creation of the 45,000 sq ft development.

A decision on the plan could be made by councillors on the authority by September.

People have been having their say on the Echo’s Facebook page.

David Owen wrote: “This needs to be a complex of some kind. A bit like the Gate in Newcastle.

“Then you can stick Next and a bunch of other things in there but provide real architectural and cultural value. If this is just another box for a single chain store then the city is missing a massive opportunity to improve what is a great part of the town, which could be made greater.”

Jack Clark said: “Building a Next? When the existing store gets nobody through the doors? Terrible idea.”

Ian Jones was critical of the artist’s impression of the development, writing: “Please get a better design.

“Something that will link this part of town to Cultural Quarter. Not another characterless block.”

Many people have called for the creation of a new leisure centre to replace Crowtree.

Marc ‘Ollie’ Olsen said: “Should be a leisure centre. Except ran well.”

Courtney Begg wrote: “Bring back Crowtree and ice rink.”

Some people have welcomed the plans however.

Jennifer Davidson Mcquillan wrote: “A Next Home shop would be fab.”

Carol Charters said: “Lovely, hope it has furniture and more choice from catalogue.”